Dry Eyes

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes develop when your tears don’t adequately lubricate your eyes. You might not produce enough tears, or your tears may be poor quality. Dry eyes can damage the surface of your eyes or cause inflammation, blurry vision, or eye pain. See your optometrist at the first sign of dry eyes for relief. 

What are the symptoms associated with dry eyes?

Dry eyes can cause the following symptoms:

• Dryness
• Irritation
• Watery eyes
• Inflammation
• Red eyes
• Burning
• Stinging
• Blurry vision
• Light sensitivity
• Eye fatigue

You might experience a sensation of having something in your eyes when you don’t, have difficulty wearing contact lenses, or struggle with nighttime driving because of dry eyes. 

The symptoms may be mild or debilitating and cause constant blinking to compensate for a lack of eye lubrication. You might develop dry eyes only in certain environments.

What are the risk factors for dry eyes?

The cause of dry eyes isn’t always known. Still, common risk factors include:

• Being in an air-conditioned room
• Riding a bike
• Looking at a screen for a long time
• Poor tear quality
• Hormone changes
• Autoimmune diseases
• Eyelid gland inflammation 
• Allergic eye disease
• Decreased tear production
• Increased tear evaporation 
• Being over 50
• Being female
• Pregnancy
• Using birth control pills
• Menopause 
• Diets low in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids
• History of refractive surgery
• Wearing contact lenses

When not addressed, dry eyes can lead to eye infections and damage to your eye’s surface.

How are dry eyes diagnosed?

Diagnosing dry eyes and their cause includes an eye exam, a review of your symptoms and medical history, vision screening, and diagnostic tests that measure tear volume and quality.  Once your optometrist determines the cause of dry eyes, they develop an effective treatment plan.

How are dry eyes treated?

Treating dry eyes may include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Artificial tears
• Eye drops
• Punctal plugs for tear ducts
• Treating the underlying cause
• Eye inserts
• Nasal sprays
• Unblocking oil glands
• Specialized contact lenses
• Light therapy
• Eyelid massage
• Dietary supplements
• Eye surgery

If you’re a candidate for eye surgery, the Vistasite Eye Care of Valley Stream team may refer you to another specialist for care. 

It’s also vital to eat nutritious foods and maintain other healthy habits to optimize your eye health and tear quality. 

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Vistasite Eye Care of Valley Stream by phone or online today for relief from dry eyes.